This morning, I could not get the song ‘Smile’ out of my head, not that there’s anything wrong with this song, but it’s been playing non-stop!!

I guess it started because as I was going about the crazy start to my day, I realized that the more I smiled at people, chatted to them, and engaged in conversation, the more I got a positive response and ultimately, they proved more helpful!!

For example, I was going into an elevator and was patiently waiting for it to come. As the doors open, several people simply pushed passed me so they could be the first to get in. Living with Ed, I would have agreed with his view that clearly I was in the way and that the reason they pushed past me was because I was invisible due to the negative things about me. Of course, I could also have thought to myself ‘how rude’ of them and let them know that. Instead, I walked in after them, commented that I need to go the same floor as them, and then joked about how all the folks were going to floor three except for one and maybe she needed to join the party on the third floor! The laughter and smiles filled that elevator and were a far contrast that the negativity that could have surrounded us.

For as much as there can be times when I feel sad, I know that a simple smile or laughter can brighten my day, lift my spirit, and remind me that no matter how dark those clouds are, there is always a little ray of sunshine somewhere to be found!

So today I challenge you to smile at a stranger, continue to be positive even if the person helping you seems grumpy, and remind yourself that you are not only brightening their day, but bringing positive energy to your own too!!

Go on, smile - I DARE you!!!